Here you will find the latest UK & global mail service updates and a list of upcoming worldwide public holidays. This is updated throughout the week with latest information available.
UK Service Updates
Strike Action – Royal Mail have informed us that the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have called on their members who collect, sort, distribute and deliver parcels and mail to take strike action on the 30th September, the 1st, 13th, 20th and 25th October and the 28th November. Additional strike days involving smaller teams and groups will take place as follows:
- Processing, Distribution, International, Collections, Admin: 3rd, 9th, 15th, 24th November and 1st December 2022
- Delivery: 4th, 10th, 16th, 25th November and 2nd December 2022
- Network: 2nd, 8th, 14th, 23rd, 30th November 2022
Royal Mail have stated that whilst they have contingency plans, these cannot fully replace the its frontline workforce and customers should expect significant disruption. This will also effect the processing and delivery of DSA UK parcels and mail as Royal Mail handle part of processing and also carry out the final mile delivery of these items.
International Service Updates
GENERAL UPDATE – The closure of Russian airspace is causing delays to transport routes, especially to those in the far east. There are also severe delays at both sides of the Channel Tunnel due to extremely high demand and a reduced service which is affecting parcel deliveries both to and from Europe. Delays are also being seen to numerous destinations as a result of current flight capacity or destination handling issues.
COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) UPDATE – Please refer to our dedicated web page which covers the impacts of the Coronavirus on the processing, transport and delivery of mail and related items. You can find this page from both our news and service updates pages.
POST-BREXIT EU TRANSPORT/CLEARANCE UPDATE – A number of our suppliers (both postal and courier) are reporting issues with regards to road transport and clearance at the EU border. This is causing delays and a number of suppliers are now charging additional EU clearance fees. If you require any additional information or if you would like to talk to our team to see how this may affect you, please contact or Client Service Team on +44 (0)1444 871111 or via e-mail on [email protected].
Australia – Due to high volumes and backlogs in the processing and delivery of mail/parcels, we have have been informed that delays (depending on region) may be experienced. This is on top of any potential COVID-19 related impact to linehaul and transport. Delays related to extreme weather conditions across NSW & Queensland are also causing delivery delays. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/09/20 – updated: 06/05/22)
Australia – Severe storms, heavy rain and flooding across the country is causing disruptions, particularly in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. The processing and delivery of inbound and outbound mail items are affected. Expected delay is 1-5 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 02/03/22)
Austria – Mail and parcels to Austria are experiencing delays due to a backlog caused by a non-operational distribution centre. Austrian Post is working hard to resolve the issue and to keep the delays to a minimum. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/08/22 – updated 21/09/22)
Belarus – Due to the flying restrictions to Belarus, the country is currently only available via road. This results in a delay of approximately 14 days. As soon as flying is possible again, the transit time will be back to normal. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/05/21)
Brazil – Mail and parcels to Brazil are experiencing delays due to limited air capacity. Expected delay: 14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/04/22)
Bulgaria – Items shipped to Bulgaria are experiencing customs delays as a result of changes to the EU’s VAT rules for items from non-EU destinations from 1st July 2021. Ongoing (issue start date: 13/08/21)
Canada – Mail and parcels with destination Canada are experiencing delays due to hurricane Fiona. Affected postcode areas are B3K, B3M, B3N, B3P, B3R, B3S, B3V, BEJ, B3L, B3H, B2Y, B2V, B2W, B2X, B2Z, B3A, B2J, B3B, B3G, B4C, B4E, B4G, B2J, B2H, B4H, B2N, B0M, B0K, B0L, B0P 1T0, B0M 1E0, B0H 1X0, B0J 3B0, B0J 1A0, B0J 2A0, B0C 1G0, B0C 1H0, B1A 1A0, B1G 1A0, B1J 1B0, B1J 1B0, B1W 1A0, B1Y 1B0, B1Y 1E0, B1A 4X0, B0C 1K0, B0C 1L0, B2C 1A0, B1C 1A0, B1K 1A7, B0C 1N0, B1H 1A0, B1B 1A0, B1E 1A0, B0C 1R0, B1L 1A0, B1V 2L0, B1P 1T0, B1N 1L0, B1A 4X0, B1H 1Y0, B2A 3Y6, B1P 5Z0, B0N, B2T, B3T, B3G, B0J, B2S, B2V, B2R, B3E, B3Z, E4H 1B0, E8T, C1A, C1B, C0A, C1N and C0B. Expected delay: 3-7 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/10/22)
Canada – Restricted access to flights and capacity issues at the only available Canada Post entry point (airport) are causing significant disruption. These factors combined with peak volumes and COVID-19 prevention measures have resulted in backlogs locally at Canada Post and to some extent Canadian customs. Subsequently, many suppliers are reporting potentially heavy delays (currently estimated at 7-14 days). Ongoing (issue start date: unknown – updated: 02/09/22)
Cayman Islands – Mail and parcels to Brazil are experiencing delays due to limited air capacity. Expected delay unknown. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/04/22)
Chile – The designated operator of Chile, CorreosChile, wishes to inform that adverse weather conditions may lead to delays in the release, transfer and handling of shipments, as well as last-mile delivery of items, until further notice. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/07/22)
China – China Post has notified that they are now in the process of clearing the backlog of items currently held up due to quarantine measures at airports. However, Covid-19 restrictions remain in place and continue to directly impact the processing, transiting and delivery of items. As a result, the postal authority are unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed delivery standards and delays should be expected for items destined for China.. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown – updated: 05/08/22)
Cyprus – Items shipped to Cyprus are experiencing customs delays as a result of changes to the EU’s VAT rules for items from non-EU destinations from 1st July 2021. Ongoing (issue start date: 13/08/21)
Eritrea – We have been informed that due to the domestic situation in the country, all mail services to this destination remain suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 08/10/18)
France – Our suppliers have informed us that France is currently facing an unprecedented situation of tensions on the supply of labour (especially on temporary staff) and transport procurement, which combined with traffic restrictions, fires and the heat wave may cause delays within their network. Delivery delays of 24-48 hours are expected this week. Ongoing (issue start date: 22/07/22)
Greece – We have been informed by our suppliers that Hellenic Post in Greece appears to have not been able to process mail and parcels in line with expectations for a number of months. This is apparently due to high inbound volumes, ongoing Covid-19 related staffing challenges and a reorganisation program. The Greek postal service has been able to catch up on backlogged shipments for the months January and February, and is now processing the shipments of March. The expectation is that material coming from EU origins has no more backlogs mid April. Material coming from non-EU origins – which are subject to customs – will take longer to process. Current estimated delays are 3-7 working days. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/01/21 – updated: 06/12/21)
Greece – Due to ongoing wildfires and emergency response the below areas are either inaccessible or with limited access. Deliveries and collection in these areas are expected to be impacted by a 48h to 72h delay. Affected Areas: PENDELI Zip Code: 15236 / ANTHOUSA Zip Code 15349 / PALLINI Zip Code: 15351 / GERAKAS Zip Code: 15344 / DRAFI Zip Code: 19009 / KALLITECHNOUPOLI Zip Code: 19009 / DAOU PENDELI Zip Code: 19009 / DIONI Zip Code: 19009. week. Ongoing (issue start date: 22/07/22)
Hong Kong – Mail and parcels to destination Hong Kong are experiencing delays due to transport issues – expected delays upto to 14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/10/22)
Indonesia – The Indonesia post office, Pos Indonesia, has communicated a change to national customs regulations effective 1st August 2021. All inbound postal items and the related declaration forms (CN 23 EMS, CN 22, CN 23 and CP 72) are to be completed with the corresponding tax ID (NPWP) of the Indonesian resident, where available. For corporate addressees, tax ID information is required. For private addresses, if the tax ID number is not available, there are some alternatives:
• National identity number (NIK);
• Passport number (for foreigners); or
• Other identification number, e.g. driver’s licence number.
Failure to comply with this regulation may result in inbound processing delays, as items will be held until the required identification numbers have been provided. Furthermore, in accordance with the new regulation, all inbound postal items containing goods will be submitted to Customs. Therefore, it is very important that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that the CN 23 EMS, CN 22, CN 23 and CP 72 customs declaration forms for all postal items containing goods (letter mail, parcels and EMS) are duly completed in accordance with article 20-001 of the UPU Convention Regulations. Incomplete, incorrectly completed, or missing customs declara tions may cause delays in delivery. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/08/21)
Ireland – We have been informed that there are delays in transit times to Ireland due to transport and delivery issues. Expected delay at present is estimated at 4 – 7 working days. Ongoing (issue start date: 29/09/21 – updated 10/08/22)
Italy – We Postal workers to go on strike: Media sources indicated that workers at Poste Italiane in Liguria are to take part in an overtime strike. The overtime strike is set for all staff from March 16th until April 16th. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/03/22)
Italy – We have been informed that Poste Italiane is currently experiencing capacity issues at their customs warehouse as a a result of very high parcel volumes received from countries outside the EU. There are difficulties with storing and customs clearance of incoming parcel mail items from non-EU origins and due to this the transit times will be longer. Poste Italiane is doing the best they can to clear the backlog and to get the process under control again. Please take note that the delays are only affecting items coming from non-EU destinations such as the UK. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/03/21)
Japan – Mail and parcels with destination Japan will experience delays due to typhoon Nanmadol. Expected delay: 1-7 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 21/09/22)
Jordan – The designated operator of JORDAN, Jordan Post, wishes to inform the designated operators of other Union member countries that, in accordance with the customs clearance procedures prescribed by the Jordanian customs authority for inbound international mail items containing goods, the addressee’s mobile phone number is of vital importance. Once the item is received by Customs, the addressee will be contacted for further customs declaration and payment of customs duties and taxes. The addressee’s mobile phone number will serve as the only credential for login purposes in the customs declaration system. Meanwhile, in an effort to improve customer experience and enhance delivery performance, Jordan Post has been asking mail couriers to contact addressees in advance to arrange a specific time for delivery before they go out to deliver. If the addressee’s mobile phone number is not available, the overall delivery performance will be severely affected. Therefore, all designated operators are requested to inform their staff and customers that, wherever possible, the mobile phone number of the addressee should be provided on the CN 22, CN 23 or CP 72 customs declaration forms for all letter post, parcel post and EMS items containing goods destined for Jordan. Ongoing (issue start date: 28/11/19)
Libya – All mail services to Libya are currently suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/07/14)
Malta – Due to limited flight capacity towards Malta, transport is forced to go by truck and ferry instead. Since ferries to Malta leave less frequent than air planes, all shipments will be delayed. New flying options are being explored, to resolve this situation as soon as possible. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/06/21)
Mexico – All The designated operator of MEXICO, Correos de México, wishes to inform the designated operators of other Union member countries of new measures to strengthen import controls, in accordance with article 19 of the UPU Convention and article 3.7.1 of the General Rules of Foreign Trade of Mexico. These measures prohibit items in powder form, pharmaceutical products (pills, troches, tablets, granules, capsules and lozenges), and whey or serum proteins of animal origin. For a complete list of prohibited items, please consult
www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5545378&fecha=30/11/2018 (Spanish only). In addition, importers of food supplements require a licence in the form of a health certificate issued by the Government of Mexico. Further information regarding this certificate can be found at www.gob.mx/cofepris/acciones-y-programas/registrossanitarios-89343 (Spanish only). In the case of items already in the possession of Correos de México, commercial senders are requested to ask the addressees to comply with the applicable health regulation requirements. Ongoing (issue start date: 15/07/19)
New Zealand – Due Mail and parcels with destination New Zealand are experiencing delays due to limited air capacity. Service to Nauru was suspended, but is resolved now. Expected delay: 4-7 days to North and South Island, 7 days to Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue, Tonga, Vanuatu and West Samoa, 6 weeks to Kiribati, Pitcairn Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown – updated 12/05/22)
North Korea – Destination North Korea is closed due to transport issues. Ongoing (issue start date: 28/09/22)
Philippines – The designated operator of the Philippines, PHLPost, wishes to inform that Typhoon Odette (international name Typhoon Rai) has affected certain parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Some roads are not currently passable owing to landslides and floods. Delays are therefore to be expected in the processing of mail and transmission of tracking events in the areas with the following postcodes: 5400,5402,5404-5408,5413-5414,5417, 4503-4504, 5600-5601,5603-5604,5606,5608-5615, 5701-5702,5704-5708,5710-5717, 5800-5807,5810-5812,5815-5816, 5044-5046, 5000-5004,5006-5010,5012-5014,5016-5019,5021,5023,5026-5027,5031,5034-5036,5038-5039,5041-5043, 6100-6116,6119-6122,6124-6127,6129-6133, 6809, 6822, 8700-8702,8704,8706,8708-8709,8711,8723, 9100, 9103, 9000, 9008, 9011, 9014, 9203, 9205, 9209, 7203, 7207, 7209, 8800, 8804, 9407, 9409, 8601-8607, 8609-8611, 8600, 8501-8507, 8509-8513, 8400,8402-8406, 8408-8410, 8414, 8416-8424, 8427 8301-8302,8306, 8308-8310, 8312-8316, 8318 9222, 9310, 9708, 9715, 9628. Ongoing (issue start date: 16/12/21)
Poland – Poland Post has advised that they are currently experiencing a significant increase in the volume of items received into their network due to the aid assistance they are providing to bordering Ukraine. Poland Post is continuing to process and deliver items as soon as possible however, due to the increased volumes, delays are to be expected. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
Portugal – Due to implementation issues regarding the new VAT regulations, CTT Portugal postal volume has some delay. Expected delays: 3-5 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/08/21)
Puerto Rico – Mail and parcels with destination Puerto Rico will be delayed due to hurricane Fiona. Expected delay: 7-14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 21/09/22)
Saudi Arabia – Saudi Post wishes to inform that effective 1st January 2018, a value-added tax (VAT) of 5% will be applied to the total value of each individual item/waybill entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to be paid by the consignee. This includes, without exception, all commodities being sent to Saudi Arabia, regardless of their purpose. It is therefore essential that each shipment provide clear and precise commodity details, including the name of the product/commodity and the total value under each item/waybill (preferably in USD). Ongoing (issue start date: 01/01/18)
Saudi Arabia – It has been advised that, with immediate effect, Saudi Arabian Customs has introduced some changes for all Non-Document shipments sent to Saudi Arabia. All B2C shipments that contain materials other than documents/printed matter will require the Consignee’s ID number. Where this is not provided, the parcel may be delayed in clearing customs until the ID number is obtained from the consignee. All B2B shipments of non-document materials will require a Commercial Registration Form from the consignee. This will be requested from the consignee when arriving in the country and upon receipt of the form, the parcel can be cleared through customs. Ongoing (issue start date: 15/04/16)
Slovakia – Delays in processing mail and parcels at Slovakian Post due to COVID-19 measures. Expected delay: 1-7 days. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown)
Somalia – All mail services to Somalia are currently suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 11/11/19)
South Korea– Mail and parcels to destination South Korea are experiencing delays due to transport issues – expected delays upto to 14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/10/22)
Spain – Some associations of the transport sector have called for an indefinite strike as from the 14th of March applicable to Spanish Territory. From information received, picket lines are stopping trucks and vans in main cities and industrial parks where the transports/logistics companies are located. Delays are to be expected. Ongoing (issue start date: 14/03/22)
Sri Lanka – Due to the ongoing fuel and power crisis and public transport issues, the Government of Sri Lanka has imposed a temporarily restricted work plan for government institutions with effect from 28 June 2022. In view of this situation, the Department of Posts is unable to guarantee compliance with the agreed delivery standards for all mail categories. Delays are to be expected. Resolved (issue start date: 28/06/22)
Syria – We have been informed that due to the domestic situation in the country, all mail services to this destination remain suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 08/10/18)
Tanzania – All mail/cargo going to DAR is embargoed until further notice. Ongoing (issue start date: 30/04/18)
Taiwan – Please be aware due to a Customs regulation change by Taiwanese customs, all nationals are now required to be registered with Customs in order to receive the shipments. This can be done via two methods: 1) Through a mobile app called EzWay 2) Through the Customs website. The recipient will only need to register once with customs, please note failure to do this may lead to customs delays or returns. More information can be found on the website: https://etaipei.customs.gov.tw/. Ongoing (issue start date: 01/01/20)
Thailand – Mail and parcels with destination Thailand are experiencing delays due to bad weather conditions. Affected postcode areas start with: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 40, 42, 44, 45, 50, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 72 and 73. Ongoing (issue start date: 13/09/22 – updated 04/10/22)
Tonga – Tonga is experiencing delays due to the impact of a volcanic eruption – estimated delay is currently 2 weeks. Ongoing (issue start date: 20/01/22)
Ukraine – Delivery of mail to Ukraine is suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 18/03/14 – updated 01/03/22)
UAE – Tonga is experiencing delays due to the impact of a volcanic eruption – estimated delay is currently 2 weeks. Ongoing (issue start date: 20/01/22)
USA – Mail and parcels with destination Florida and the south east of the United States are expected to be delayed due to hurricane Ian – expected delay upto 14 days. Ongoing (issue start date: 04/10/22)
USA – The lack of transport capacity and limited availability/capacity of United States Postal Service entry points (at US airports) appears to be causing significant delays. Some of our suppliers are reporting that these delays could potentially run into a number of weeks. These delays affect both mail and parcel volumes. In addition, it is being reported that for tracked mail to the USA, not all initial scans in the USA are being done by the USPS. This means that some tracking events/info may be missing until they are sorted in the domestic centers of USPS. Ongoing (issue start date: unknown – updated: 12/05/22)
Yemen – All mail services to Yemen have now been suspended. Ongoing (issue start date: 27/03/15)
Upcoming Public Holidays
October 3rd – Australia (regional), China, Falklan Islands, Germany, Honduras (Government holiday), India (regional), Iraq, Macau, Maldives, Nepal, Nigeria, Saint Lucia, South korea, Tuvalu, USA (regional – Government holiday)
October 4th – Bangladesh, China, Honduras (Government holiday), India (regional), Italy (regional), Hong Kong, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tuvalu, India, Macau, Taiwan
October 5th – Bhutan (regional), China, Macau, Honduras, India (regional), Iran, Israel, Kiribati, Portugal, Vanuatu
October 6th – Bhutan (regional), China, Egypt, Honduras, India (regional), Syria, Turkmenistan
October 7th – Argentina, Bhutan (regional), China, Fiji, Honduras, Peru (Government holiday)
October 8th – Egypt, Malaysia (regional), Myanmar, Peru, Various (Mawlid)
October 9th – American Samoa, Ecuador, India (regional), Myanmar, Saint Barthelemy, South Korea, Spain (regional), Sri Lanka, Uganda, Various (Mawlid)
October 10th – American Samoa, Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Chile, Cuba, Curacao, Fiji, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Myanmar, North Korea, Puerto Rico, Samoa, Saint Martin, Suriname, Taiwan, Turks & Caicos, US Virgin Islands, USA, Uruguay, Various (Mawlid)
October 11th – Bolivia, North Macedonia
October 12th – Brazil, Equatorial Guinea, Mexico, Spain, Venezuela
October 13th – Burundi, Thailand
October 14th – Georgia, India (regional), Iran, Moldova (regional), Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, Yemen
October 15th – Cambodia, Estonia, Malawi, Tunisia
October 16th – Mali
October 17th – British Virgin Islands, Colombia, Haiti, Israel, Jamaica, Malawi
October 18th – India (regional), USA (Government holiday – regional), Zambia
October 20th – Guatemala, Kenya
October 21st – Burundi, New Zealand (regional)
October 23rd – Hungary, Libya, North Macedonia, Thailand
October 24th – India (regional), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Pakistan (regional), Singapore, Thailand, Zambia, Various (Diwali)
October 25th – Bhutan, Grenada, India (regional), Kazakhstan, Nepal, Various (Diwali)
October 26th – Austria, Cook Islands, India (regional), Maldives, Nepal
October 27th – India (regional), Nepal, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
October 28th – Cyprus, Brazil (Government holiday), Czech Republic, Greece, Turkey, USA (Government holiday – regional)
October 29th – Cambodia, Turkey
October 30th – India, Nepal
